NDC candidates defect to APC as the opposition party accuses the ruling party of using money and appointments to lure candidates ahead of 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has criticised some of its candidates who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, accusing the ruling party of using financial incentives and political appointments to attract them ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, describing the defections as politically motivated and driven by personal financial interests.

Director claimed that the affected candidates had been offered inducements by the APC to abandon the opposition party.

“It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that some candidates of our party have been bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling and ruinous All Progressives Congress, APC, obviously for pecuniary reasons,” he said.

The NDC spokesperson further alleged that the APC had deliberately targeted its candidates with financial offers and promises of political appointments.

According to the opposition party, the defections demonstrated that the affected individuals lacked the ideological commitment expected of its candidates.

“They were never truly of us. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures,” Director declared.

The NDC said it would respond to the defections by conducting fresh congresses in the affected constituencies to select replacement candidates.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, the party will immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect credible, competent and trustworthy candidates to replace the defectors in the affected constituency,” the statement added.

The party also urged its members and supporters not to be discouraged by the departures, insisting that the defections would not derail its preparations for the 2027 elections.

Director described the development as “the last kicks of a dying horse” and maintained that the NDC was confident of its prospects in the forthcoming elections.

“These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,” he said.

The NDC said it remained committed to its ambition of providing an alternative government, with improved security, governance and economic prosperity among its stated objectives.

The defections come as political parties intensify efforts to consolidate their structures and attract influential politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the NDC accused the APC of bribery and inducement, the statement did not identify the defecting candidates or provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.

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The APC had also not, in the statement provided, responded to the NDC’s accusations.